Codex MCP Server

# brainstorm Tool Generate innovative ideas using structured creative methodologies and domain-specific context. ## Overview The `brainstorm` tool leverages AI models to generate creative solutions using various brainstorming frameworks. It provides structured idea generation with optional feasibility analysis and domain-specific optimization. ## Syntax ```javascript { "name": "brainstorm", "arguments": { "prompt": "string", // Required "model": "string", // Optional "methodology": "string", // Optional "domain": "string", // Optional "constraints": "string", // Optional "existingContext": "string", // Optional "ideaCount": "number", // Optional "includeAnalysis": "boolean", // Optional "approvalPolicy": "string", // Optional "sandboxMode": "string", // Optional "fullAuto": "boolean", // Optional "cd": "string", // Optional "yolo": "boolean" // Optional } } ``` ## Parameters ### Core Parameters #### prompt (required) - **Type:** `string` - **Description:** The brainstorming challenge or question to explore - **Example:** `"ways to improve API performance"` #### model (optional) - **Type:** `string` - **Default:** Codex default model - **Options:** `"gpt-5"`, `"o3"`, `"o4-mini"` - **Recommendation:** Use GPT-5 for creative tasks #### methodology (optional) - **Type:** `string` - **Default:** `"auto"` - **Options:** - `"divergent"` - Generate many diverse ideas - `"convergent"` - Refine and focus existing ideas - `"scamper"` - Systematic creative triggers - `"design-thinking"` - Human-centered approach - `"lateral"` - Unexpected connections - `"auto"` - AI selects best method ### Context Parameters #### domain (optional) - **Type:** `string` - **Description:** Domain context for specialized brainstorming - **Examples:** `"software"`, `"business"`, `"creative"`, `"research"`, `"product"`, `"marketing"` #### constraints (optional) - **Type:** `string` - **Description:** Known limitations, requirements, or boundaries - **Example:** `"budget under $10k, must work with existing infrastructure"` #### existingContext (optional) - **Type:** `string` - **Description:** Background information or previous attempts - **Example:** `"We tried caching but it didn't help enough"` ### Output Parameters #### ideaCount (optional) - **Type:** `number` - **Default:** `12` - **Range:** 1-50 - **Description:** Target number of ideas to generate #### includeAnalysis (optional) - **Type:** `boolean` - **Default:** `true` - **Description:** Include feasibility, impact, and implementation analysis ### Execution Parameters #### approvalPolicy (optional) - **Type:** `string` - **Options:** `"never"`, `"on-request"`, `"on-failure"`, `"untrusted"` - **Description:** When approval is required #### sandboxMode (optional) - **Type:** `string` - **Options:** `"read-only"`, `"workspace-write"`, `"danger-full-access"` - **Description:** File system access level #### fullAuto (optional) - **Type:** `boolean` - **Default:** `false` - **Description:** Enable full automation #### cd (optional) - **Type:** `string` - **Description:** Working directory #### yolo (optional) - **Type:** `boolean` - **Default:** `false` - **Description:** Bypass all safety measures ## Methodologies Explained ### Divergent Thinking Generates a wide variety of ideas without immediate judgment: ```javascript { "prompt": "ways to reduce server costs", "methodology": "divergent", "ideaCount": 20 } ``` ### Convergent Thinking Refines and combines existing ideas: ```javascript { "prompt": "optimize our top 3 solutions", "methodology": "convergent", "existingContext": "1. Caching 2. CDN 3. Code splitting" } ``` ### SCAMPER Method Systematic approach using triggers: - **S**ubstitute - What can be substituted? - **C**ombine - What can be combined? - **A**dapt - What can be adapted? - **M**odify/Magnify - What can be emphasized? - **P**ut to other uses - Alternative applications? - **E**liminate - What can be removed? - **R**everse/Rearrange - What can be reordered? ```javascript { "prompt": "improve user onboarding", "methodology": "scamper" } ``` ### Design Thinking Human-centered problem solving: ```javascript { "prompt": "improve developer experience", "methodology": "design-thinking", "domain": "software" } ``` ### Lateral Thinking Creates unexpected connections: ```javascript { "prompt": "innovative data storage solutions", "methodology": "lateral" } ``` ## Examples ### Basic Brainstorming ```javascript { "name": "brainstorm", "arguments": { "prompt": "ways to improve code review process" } } ``` ### Domain-Specific with Constraints ```javascript { "name": "brainstorm", "arguments": { "prompt": "reduce AWS costs", "domain": "cloud-infrastructure", "constraints": "maintain 99.9% uptime, no service degradation", "ideaCount": 15, "includeAnalysis": true } } ``` ### Product Feature Ideation ```javascript { "name": "brainstorm", "arguments": { "prompt": "new features for code editor", "methodology": "design-thinking", "domain": "product", "existingContext": "Current features: syntax highlighting, autocomplete, Git integration", "ideaCount": 10 } } ``` ### Technical Problem Solving ```javascript { "name": "brainstorm", "arguments": { "prompt": "optimize database query performance", "methodology": "convergent", "domain": "software", "constraints": "Cannot change database engine, limited to current schema", "existingContext": "Tried indexing and query optimization", "includeAnalysis": true } } ``` ### Marketing Campaign Ideas ```javascript { "name": "brainstorm", "arguments": { "prompt": "launch strategy for developer tool", "methodology": "scamper", "domain": "marketing", "constraints": "Limited budget, B2B focus", "ideaCount": 20 } } ``` ## Output Format ### With Analysis Enabled ```markdown ## Brainstorming Results: [Topic] ### Methodology: Design Thinking ### Domain: Software Development --- ### Idea 1: Automated Code Review Bot **Description:** AI-powered bot that provides initial code review **Feasibility:** High - Existing APIs available **Impact:** Medium-High - Saves 30% review time **Implementation:** 2-3 weeks with existing tools **Challenges:** Initial setup, false positive handling ### Idea 2: Pair Programming Scheduler **Description:** Smart calendar integration for pair sessions **Feasibility:** Medium - Requires calendar API integration **Impact:** Medium - Improves collaboration **Implementation:** 1-2 weeks **Challenges:** Time zone handling, availability conflicts [... more ideas ...] ### Summary - Total ideas generated: 10 - High feasibility: 4 - High impact: 3 - Quick wins: Ideas 1, 5, 7 - Long-term investments: Ideas 3, 8 ``` ### Without Analysis ```markdown ## Brainstorming Results: [Topic] 1. **Automated Code Review Bot** - AI-powered initial reviews 2. **Pair Programming Scheduler** - Smart calendar for pair sessions 3. **Review Metrics Dashboard** - Track review efficiency 4. **Code Review Templates** - Standardized review checklists 5. **Async Review Mode** - Time-shifted review process [... more ideas ...] ``` ## Advanced Usage ### Iterative Refinement ```javascript // Round 1: Generate ideas { "prompt": "ways to improve API performance", "methodology": "divergent", "ideaCount": 20 } // Round 2: Refine top ideas { "prompt": "refine and combine the top 5 performance ideas", "methodology": "convergent", "existingContext": "[previous results]" } ``` ### Multi-Domain Exploration ```javascript { "prompt": "cross-functional solutions for slow deployments", "domain": "software,business,operations", "methodology": "lateral", "ideaCount": 15 } ``` ### Competitive Analysis ```javascript { "prompt": "differentiation strategies vs competitors", "domain": "product", "existingContext": "Competitors offer similar features at lower price", "methodology": "scamper", "constraints": "Cannot compete on price alone" } ``` ## Best Practices ### 1. Be Specific ```javascript // Good: Specific problem 'ways to reduce API response time from 2s to 200ms'; // Less effective: Vague 'make API faster'; ``` ### 2. Provide Context ```javascript { "prompt": "improve user retention", "existingContext": "Current retention: 60%, churn mainly in first week", "constraints": "No additional budget for incentives" } ``` ### 3. Choose Appropriate Methodology - **New ideas:** Use `divergent` - **Refining solutions:** Use `convergent` - **Systematic exploration:** Use `scamper` - **User-focused:** Use `design-thinking` - **Creative breakthrough:** Use `lateral` ### 4. Iterate on Results Start broad, then narrow: 1. Generate many ideas (divergent) 2. Analyze and filter 3. Refine top candidates (convergent) 4. Develop implementation plans ### 5. Set Realistic Counts - **Quick session:** 5-10 ideas - **Thorough exploration:** 15-25 ideas - **Exhaustive analysis:** 30-50 ideas ## Common Use Cases ### Software Development - Architecture decisions - Performance optimization - Feature prioritization - Technical debt reduction - Testing strategies ### Product Management - Feature ideation - User experience improvements - Competitive differentiation - Roadmap planning - MVP definition ### Business Strategy - Cost reduction - Revenue generation - Process optimization - Market expansion - Risk mitigation ### Team & Process - Workflow improvements - Communication enhancement - Onboarding optimization - Knowledge sharing - Culture building ## Tips for Better Results ### 1. Frame Problems as Opportunities Instead of: "Fix slow database" Try: "Opportunities to enhance database performance" ### 2. Include Stakeholder Perspectives ```javascript { "prompt": "improve deployment process", "existingContext": "Developers want speed, ops wants stability, business wants features" } ``` ### 3. Consider Multiple Timeframes ```javascript { "prompt": "scaling strategies", "constraints": "Quick wins for next month, long-term for next year" } ``` ### 4. Combine with Other Tools ```javascript // First: Analyze current state { "name": "ask-codex", "arguments": { "prompt": "analyze @src/ performance" } } // Then: Brainstorm improvements { "name": "brainstorm", "arguments": { "prompt": "optimize identified bottlenecks", "existingContext": "[analysis results]" }} ``` ## Related Tools - [ask-codex](./ask-codex.md) - Execute analysis before brainstorming - [fetch-chunk](./fetch-chunk.md) - Handle large brainstorming results - [ping](./ping.md) - Test connectivity - [help](./help.md) - Show available options ## See Also - [Getting Started](../../getting-started.md) - [Brainstorming Examples](../../examples/brainstorming.md) - [FAQ](../../resources/faq.md) - [Troubleshooting](../../resources/troubleshooting.md)